Good morning, Scranton.

The Gathering Place is hosting volunteer-run programs throughout October, beginning with a child’s instrument petting zoo today and including art, cooking, tech tutoring and history classes on scheduled dates.

Local volunteers organize these events—designed to offer educational and cultural activities to area residents.

Tortoise and the Hare, a new upscale vintage boutique, opened in Scranton and offers vintage clothes, handmade soap and local goods from over 20 vendors (all from northeastern Pennsylvania).

Owner Stacy Buchanan plans to add a movie and DVD rental system soon as she seeks more local partnerships.

St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Scranton held its annual Blessing of the Animals on Friday, October 3, as part of the celebration of St. Francis’ Feast Day.

The service—led by Rev. Dr. Tyler Parry—gathered pet owners and their dogs to receive prayers for health and joy.

The Board of Trustees at the Waverly Community House announced that the art exhibit “In Winter” by artist Bill Teitsworth, AWS will be on display at the Waverly Small Works Gallery from November 7th to December 19th.

The opening reception will run from 5 to 7 p.m. on November 7th—Teitsworth is a celebrated painter with many national awards.

DCNR announced that about 500 miles of state forest roads will open today for archery deer season, which runs through Nov.

21—this gives hunters, hikers and fall foliage viewers more access to state forests.

Archbald Borough Council met today and did not vote on a zoning ordinance that would allow data centers because no one seconded the motion; residents cheered the decision and council members said the matter may be revisited in future meetings.

State Sen. James Andrew Malone introduced a bill to expand mandatory reporting laws so that AI deepfake sexual abuse images of children are immediately reported—an issue highlighted by a past incident at Lancaster Country Day School.

State Rep. Nikki Rivera brought a companion measure—designed to close the reporting gap—and advocates say the update will better protect kids in a digital age.

Scranton City Hall was upgraded after a 14-month $4.8 million renovation that replaced its stained glass windows, roof tiles, and mortar joints—funded by money from Pennsylvania’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and the American Rescue Plan Act.

Mayor Paige Cognetti said the work shows change for the better in a historic building built in 1888 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Women fighting cancer and alopecia got a new look as Lavish Scranton began making affordable human hair wigs after receiving a $5,000 check Friday morning from the Lackawanna County Department of Economic Development.

Salon manager Elizabeth Mitchko—diagnosed with alopecia 13 years ago—said the grant helps the business meet rising demand.

Maryann Havrilak, a 74-year-old retiree from Waymart, said her new dental bridge let her eat a salad for the first time since April—she felt at ease with the caring staff at The Wright Center for Community Health Mid Valley in Jermyn.

The center now marks National Dental Hygiene Month and offers affordable dental care with sliding-fee discounts while accepting most insurance.

A Taste of Ireland: The Irish Music and Dance Sensation

3:00 – 4:30 PM — The Theater at North — Ticket prices vary — Experience an exciting return of Irish music and dance that has captivated audiences across the USA.

Blast from the Past Concert

7:00 – 8:30 p.m. — The Theater at North — Ticket price unknown — Relive the golden harmonies of The Del Satins, one of the iconic vocal groups of the 1960s.

Family Friendly Halloween Bash!

7-9 p.m. — Scranton Cultural Center at the Masonic Temple — Family-friendly event — Enjoy a spooky dance party with fun Halloween activities for all ages.

The Neil Diamond Experience

2-3:30 p.m. — The Theater at North — Ticket prices vary — Experience the tribute to Neil Diamond with captivating performances by Robert Neary.

Foreigner Tribute Concert by Urgent

7-8:30 p.m. — The Theater at North — Tickets available — Experience an electrifying tribute to the iconic rock band Foreigner.